Although there’s no treatment for the HPV virus itself, treatments are available for its effects. Most HPV infections don't cause any serious harm and are cleared by your immune system within two years.

Although there’s no treatment for the HPV virus itself, treatments are available for its effects. Most HPV infections don't cause any serious harm and are cleared by your immune system within two years.

Genital warts

Cervical cancer

In women, persistent infection with certain "high-risk" types of HPV can cause changes to cells in the cervix, which can increase the risk of cervical cancer. The types of HPV that cause genital warts are "low-risk" and aren’t associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.

Abnormal cells in the cervix can be treated if detected early, which is why it’s important to attend cervical screening when invited.

HPV vaccination

All girls aged 12-13 are offered a vaccination against HPV to help protect them against types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. The vaccination also helps to protect against the more common types of HPV that cause genital warts.